The New Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID

The new Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID blends an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration with the unique innovations and the luxurious equipment and appointments of the S-Class.

The S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID is the first hybrid model in the U.S. for the new S-Class. Hybrid drives, the combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive, help cut overall fuel consumption and boost performance since the electric drive replaces or supports the combustion engine whenever the engine characteristics are unfavorable – normally in part-load operation when little power is required.

The luxury sedan impresses with exceptional dynamism and efficiency. Thanks to standard pre-entry climate control it also offers unique climate comfort. The first certified three-liter luxury sedan in the world is a further milestone on the road to emission-free mobility.

The Mercedes-Benz S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID offers a system output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft torque, sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds and can drive up to 20 miles purely electrically. Key elements of this impressive output are the V6 biturbo and the intelligent hybrid drive. The new high-voltage lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 8.7 kWh can be externally recharged via the charging socket in the right side of the rear bumper.

The S550 Plug-In Hybrid model has environmental certificates. These document the model’s environmental performance from development through to recycling across the entire lifecycle, and the performance is certified to internationally recognized standards by independent experts.

Regarding CO2 emissions, the certificate of the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID states: Over the entire lifecycle encompassing manufacture, use of over 300,000 kilometres (186,000 miles) and recycling, clear advantages result when compared with the S550. External charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO2 emissions by some 43 percent (35 tonnes). Through the use of renewably generated hydroelectricity a 56 percent reduction (46 tonnes) is possible.

The hybrid transmission is based on the 7-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in-hybrid system in the S-Class is based on the Mercedes-Benz parallel hybrid modular system. The common system-specific feature is the additional clutch integrated between combustion engine and electric motor. On the one hand, it decouples the combustion engine during purely electric operation; on the other hand, if the combustion engine is employed it affords the possibility to move off drawing on the performance of a wet start-up clutch. The clutch then substitutes for the torque converter and requires no additional space owing to its complete integration in the torque converter housing.
Haptic accelerator pedal: support for the driver
Climb in, start, drive off and, as well as exemplary efficiency, on request experience via kickdown the special acceleration of the electric motor – this is how easy hybrid driving is with the new S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID. For in everyday use it moves just as easily as any other automatic transmission car.

In the background, depending on the chosen operating mode, the intelligent operating strategy automatically selects the ideal combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor and in so doing not only adapts its strategy according to the charge status of the battery; it also foresightedly adjusts it according to the traffic or route. Anyone wanting to can also intervene manually and with the aid of four operating modes and three transmission modes regulate the hybrid interplay themselves.

What is known as the haptic accelerator pedal can signal via a double impulse when drivers should take their foot off the accelerator for sailing and recuperating. During electric operation it can supply the driver with feedback on the switch-on point of the combustion engine. The energy flow can be shown in all operating states in the instrument cluster and in the central display if this is selected by the customer.

The technical data at a glance:

Model

S 550 PLUG-IN HYBRID

Internal combustion engine:

Number of cylinders/arrangement

6/V

Mixture formation

High-pressure injection, 2 turbochargers

Displacement (cc)

2996

Rated output (hp at rpm)

329 hp at 5250-6000

Rated torque

354 lb-ft at at 1600-4000

Electric motor:

Output (kW/hp)

85 kW / 114 hp

Torque (Nm / lb-ft)

340 Nm / 251 lb-ft

System output (kW/hp)

325 kW / 436 hp

System torque (Nm/lb-ft)

650 Nm / 479 lb-ft

Consumption combined from (l/100 km)

2.8

CO2 emissions combined from (g/km)

65

Efficiency class

A+

Electric range (miles)

20

Charge time 20%-100% (400 V/16 A –
230 V/8 A) (h)

2 – 4.1

Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)

5.2

Top speed (mph)

130 mph

Top speed electric (mph)

87

Extensive standard equipment, extended pre-entry climate control
The standard equipment in the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID is extensive and offers a world premiere: the extended pre-entry climate control. This is target value controlled, meaning that at the start of the journey the S-Class is air conditioned to the preset temperature if the driver has entered the departure time via the S-Class Vehicle Homepage. This is possible due to the electrically driven refrigerant compressor and electric heating elements for the heated air. In addition, when preheating it is not just the interior air but also the seats, steering wheel and armrests in the doors and center console which are heated, and when cooling the seat ventilation is also activated if the respective optional extra is on board.

Charging: power from a socketThe battery of the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID is safely fitted into the rear end of the S-Class to save space. An intelligent on-board charging system enables the battery to be charged at any conventional household power socket. The supply of electricity to the car will be made even easier in the future through inductive, cableless charging.

The S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID stores electric energy in a lithium-ion battery on lithium-iron phosphate basis. The water-cooled energy storage unit has an overall capacity of 8.7 kWh, a total weight of 251 lbs and a spatial volume of 3.4 cubic feet.

To ensure the highest levels of crash safety and dynamic handling and also maximum trunk space, the housing is made of die-cast aluminium and the high-voltage battery is located in the rear of the vehicle above the rear axle. The space available there is put to optimal use, and the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID thus takes first place among the plug-in hybrids in terms of trunk capacity (12.2 cubic feet) and luggage compartment accessibility.

The high-voltage battery of the S550 PLUG-IN HYBRID can be charged via external electricity mains using a 3.6 kW on-board charger. The unit is permanently installed in the vehicle and charges single-phase up to 16 A. The connection for the charging cable is located under a flap of the rear bumper underneath the tail light on the right-hand side. An automatic lock ensures that the cable cannot be separated from the vehicle by unauthorized persons. The new S-Class can be charged in two hours anywhere in the world, e.g. at a wallbox or a charging pole (400 V, 16 A). Alternatively, charging via house connection is also possible. Depending on the connection a charge of time e.g. of two hours and 45 minutes can be attained (with 230 V and 13 A).[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]